Overview

This is a private chat server (using a local non-federated Matrix instance). Because this is a private server its unlikely to be blocked in any country and should work without a VPN. It serves as an alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal which are often blocked. You need to first create an account then access chat via a web interface or phone app.

Creating an account

(You will need to have a registration code with this method)

Go to https://app.element.io using a web browser (if not blocked in your location)

Click "Create account"

Click "Edit" under "Host account on" and change from "matrix.org" to "talk.engineeredcreatively.com" then click "Continue"

Enter your desired username and password, then click "Register"

You will be asked for a "Registration token" - you can obtain this from Nicki or by sending an email to info@engineeredcreatively.com

Click "Continue" after entering a valid code and you will be logged into chat. You can continue using chat via the web interface or use a phone app, see below.

Creating an account (alternative)

If app.element.io is blocked in your location or you cannot obtain a registration code email info@engineeredcreatively.com and advise who you are and why you need access.

You will be emailed a username and password so you can log-in using a phone app or the web interface https://app.element.io

(If there is someone else that needs to communicate with you via the server, please also send through their email address and why they need access, they will get an email with access details)

Accessing chat

You will need a username and password before you can log into chat

Web client: https://app.element.io

Phone apps: FluffyChat or Element X (both IOS + Android) - you should be able to download these in all countries.

(You can also search for "Matrix client" in an app store)

Other clients: https://matrix.org/ecosystem/clients/

Server settings for Matrix

Always use "talk.engineeredcreatively.com" as the "home server" or "server URL" with any app you are using, not matrix.org

Once you are logged in

You can chat in the "Public" channel for group chat or you might be invited to a private group channel.

You can also send a direct message to anyone on the server.

The server is intended as a text only chat server - please do not share large images, video or audio content through the server.

The timestamp shown for messages is based on your location or device.

Please note that inviting other uses into the server from the app or QR code will not work - new users should follow the procedure above.